300 stalls gutted in Islamabad's Sunday Bazaar blaze

At least 300 stalls were gutted and several others were partially damaged after a blaze erupted in Sunday Bazaar located at sector H-9 area of the federal capital on Wednesday.

According to Rescue 1122 officials, as many as nine water vehicles and dozens of firefighters are engaged in the fire extinguishing process.

A joint operation of Rescue 1122 and the Capital Development Authority is underway.

“As the fire’s intensity is high, the CDA and rescuers are engaged in controlling it,” said Rana Waqas, Deputy Commissioner Islamabad.

“Navy, Air Force, and other departments have been called to join the rescue operation,” he added.

“The fire erupted in the section of shoes and cloth, which engulfed more shops and spread with high acceleration, it is being tried to control the blaze as soon as possible,” the government official informed.

However, the rescuers said the blaze destroyed at least 300 wooden stalls, while no casualties have yet been reported.

Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi also took notice of the incident. The minister directed the Chief Commissioner CDA to reach the spot and ensure the provision of the required equipment to control the fire.

Naqvi also directed him to engage more rescuers and machinery to extinguish the fire.

Moreover, the minister ordered the Chairman CDA to initiate a probe into the matter and submit a report after ascertaining the reasons behind the incident.